Research Project in Ecosystem Sci Part 4

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2016:

680 hours

For the purposes of considering request for Reasonable Adjustments under the Disability Standards for Education (Cwth 2005), and Student Support and Engagement Policy, academic requirements for this subject are articulated in the Subject Overview, Learning Outcomes, Assessment and Generic Skills sections of this entry.

It is University policy to take all reasonable steps to minimise the impact of disability upon academic study, and reasonable adjustments will be made to enhance a student's participation in the University's programs. Students who feel their disability may impact on meeting the requirements of this subject are encouraged to discuss this matter with a Faculty Student Adviser and Student Equity and Disability Support: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/disability

This subject is part of a sequence of four (A to D) taken in successive semesters that together constitute the 125-point research project offered through the MSc Ecosystem Science. This project provides students with the opportunity to design and conduct independent research in one or more disciplines within the broad field of ecosystem science. Students will also develop skills in critically evaluating new knowledge within one or more scientific paradigms. Specific research projects will depend upon the availability of appropriate expertise, but may address questions in conservation biology, ecology, ecophysiology, environmental psychology, environmental and landscape management, forest science, genetics, horticulture, hydrology and/or soil science. Students will take responsibility for their own research project, including the design and management of field and/or laboratory experiments, where appropriate; collection, analysis and interpretation of data; and communication of research findings through oral and written presentations.

The project will be taken over four consecutive semesters and will begin on the Monday of semester of entry (semesters 1 or 2) and continue for up to 88 weeks until the end of the fourth semester, minus recreation leave of between 4 and 8 weeks (22 weeks per semester over the four semesters).

For how long and at what time within the enrolment the actual period of leave is to be taken needs to be negotiated with a student’s supervisor.

The Research Project will be due for submission by the end of the formal examination period of the fourth semester of enrolment if an earlier date is not specified.

On successful completion of this course, students should be able to:

• conduct independent research in one or more fields of ecosystem science;

• review and critically assess the scientific literature;

• plan an independent research project;

• formulate and evaluate hypotheses;

• design and conduct laboratory, field and/or social studies as appropriate to the field(s) of the research project;

• analyse and interpret data;

• clearly communicate scientific results in written and oral presentations to both specialist and non-specialist audiences

The entire research project for the Master of Science (Ecosystem Science) consists of 125 points with assessments distributed over 4 semesters. Assessments in Ecosystem Science Research Project D contribute 80% to the final mark for the research project.

A final, oral presentation on the research project to the whole school (20 minutes plus 10 minutes for questions) due at the end of semester (12.5% and 10% of final mark). A research thesis (up to 20,000 words, as appropriate for the field of study and chosen format), either in traditional thesis format or manuscript format, due at the end of semester (87.5% and 70% of final mark).

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.

• The ability to manage time and projects
• The ability to think independently and exercise high-level problem solving skills;
• The ability to exercise critical judgement and operate in both a team environment and/or with a high level of personal autonomy and accountability
• The ability to interact in a cross-cultural and interdisciplinary research environment